Sannyas Meditation Theatre: 'Presentation' series

Since 2007 the Sannyas Meditational Workshop has been experimenting with the use Kazuo Ohno's style of Butoh in theatre works. The Presentation Series was a 4-part workshop following in this light which started in March this year. Before the final performance, Presentation 4 on June 19th, Kazuo Ohno passed away aged 103 years old, thus this final performance was a valedictory to the pioneer of Butoh and the biggest inspiration to Sannyas.

Deva Satyana wrote the following passage to introduce 'Presentation 4' and give a tribute to the life and Butoh of Kazuo Ohno:

On June 1st 2010,

Kazuo Ohno left this world

but perhaps Kazuo Ohno's Butoh work

has just entered a new phase

Thus, we must continue to ask: What is Butoh?

Critiques split Hijikata and Ohno into dark Butoh and spiritual Butoh

But what is dark? And what is spiritual?

Formed of spirit, life and nature

further definition and analysis affords no gain

Because each dancer is unique

Finding their own distinct path to spirituality

When sandstorms cover the skies,

you must wait for the sand to settle, before you can find your own way

Similarly, only when your train of thought, ideas, impulses and feelings have calmed,

can your consciousness truly emerge, clear and distinct as the shine of a mirror

And this consciousness must be able to exist in your body

In other words the body must produce this paramount channel of consciousness

The body's central balance, alertness and freedom,

these various aspects of body and consciousness

in Kazuo Ohno and Yoshito Ohno's Butoh teachings

are all key elements, whether explicit or hidden

Qualities one must realise, before the colourful images of the soul can reach their correct place and function

Presentation 4 marks the conclusion of this phase of Sannyas'

The next phase will be the building of this body state and consciousness,

I was born in sunny Torbay on the south western coast of England's green and pleasant lands. I'm prowling the streets, parks and ruins of Taiwan hunting for absurdities and studying the sociology of the underground. Furthermore with our nomadic arts and action space "The Hole" we attempt to challenge rigid and alienating structures.